Huckabee's Political Philosophy

I have been hearing people on the right criticize Governor Huckabee's political philosophy...some actually accusing him of being a liberal, especially when it pertains to issues like taxes. First of all, this is nonsense. On the issue of taxes, some are criticizing him for actually having raised taxes at one point during his tenure as Governor. They are also citing the conservative Club for Growth's "F" grade on Huckabee when it comes to tax policy for that very reason. Well I want to offer some context for those who are criticizing him (mainly people who do not reside in nor understand the State of Arkansas). According to our state constitution, as in many other states', we have an Amendment that requires a balanced budget. It is a safeguard against deficits and total fiscal irresponsibility. Fiscal responsibility(something our "beloved conservatives" on the national level have yet to learn) would dictate that under those circumstances, you either raise the necessary taxes to make sure you have a balanced budget, or you cut funding to crucial areas such as education...something Arkansas simply cannot do, due to the State Supreme Court's ruling that funding is inequitable and insufficient. Besides money well spent in education shouldn't be looked upon as waste, but rather an investment in the future. So these people who are so wrapped up in ideology instead of practicality need to step back, and look at the reasons why something like a tax increase was necessary. As Huckabee has stated, he is for responsibility, and is unwilling to sacrifice the weakest in our society; he said he will not "bend down and kiss the ring" of the Club for Growth just because they are supposed to be the authority on taxes.It is time for leadership in the Republican Party and in the nation as a whole, that is not wasteful, that is responsible, yet is not willing to cut those who in Christ's words are, the "least among us." If the party is going to be controlled by the evangelical Christian element (which I honestly wish it wasn't), then it ought to freaking act like a Christian. Governor Huckabee, as a man of God, I believe is the best man suited to do this. And for those who are concerned about his philosophy, according to the website On the Issues, a site that studies the stances of most all public officials on a state-by-state basis...Governor Huckabee is rated as a Conservative Moderate, as indicated by the chart above. If you are so ideological that you demand a far right conservative, I urge you to visit OnTheIssues.org and look for yourself and see that not a single one of the major candidates on the Republican side fit that criteria.